U.S.-China Drug Trial Probe: A bipartisan U.S. House committee opened national security investigations into drugmakers including Merck and AbbVie over clinical trials in China, focusing on due diligence and data protection at sites tied to Xinjiang and military hospitals. UK Media Deal: Sky agreed to buy ITV’s broadcasting and streaming business for up to £1.6bn, while ITV Studios stays independent—setting up a major shake-up in UK content competition. Tech Cost Pressure: Microsoft 365 raised prices for business and enterprise customers from July 1, lifting renewal bills across multiple suites as AI and security features are bundled in. Data Centres & Markets: Colt DCS appointed David Burton as CIO to lead global tech and security; meanwhile India’s NSE is preparing for a potential up-to-$3bn IPO next week. Energy & Industry Signals: Germany’s manufacturing orders beat expectations in May; India’s power discoms show improving finances as reforms and smart meters roll on. Climate Hits Agriculture: Türkiye reported widespread farmland damage from disasters, while Himachal’s apple economy faces an estimated 40% output drop from extreme weather. Business Expansion in APAC: AscentHR acquired OS HRS to expand regional payroll capabilities across APAC and the Middle East; Indonesia’s online business matching generated about $107m in MSME transactions in Jan–Apr. Local Regulation Watch: A Philippine city moved against 1,080 businesses for permit and sanitation violations, with many closures tied to compliance gaps.